Renewing your driving licence (DL) is important to continue driving legally. In Himachal Pradesh, the process is simple and can be done online or offline. The steps may vary depending on the type of licence (private or commercial), whether it has expired, and the applicant's age.
This guide explains the steps, required documents, fees, grace period, and other important details to make renewing your DL in Himachal Pradesh easy and hassle-free.
Contents
Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Online in Himachal Pradesh
Renewing your driving licence online is a convenient and time-saving process. The Himachal Pradesh State Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), enables residents to complete most of the DL renewal process online. Follow this step-by-step guide to renew your licence seamlessly:
Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan Portal: Start by visiting the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at https://parivahan.gov.in. This portal provides online services related to driving licences across India.
Step 2: Select Himachal Pradesh as Your State: On the Parivahan homepage, locate the drop-down menu to select your state. Choose Himachal Pradesh from the list. This will direct you to the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department’s page.
Step 3: Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’: Navigate to the option for renewing your driving licence and click on it to begin the process.
Step 4: Enter Your Driving Licence Details: Fill in the required fields, such as your driving licence number, date of birth, and other personal details. Ensure that the information matches your existing licence to avoid any errors.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee: Pay the renewal fee using online payment methods like debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
Step 7: Book an Appointment (If Applicable): If biometric verification (fingerprints and photos) is necessary, you must book an appointment for biometric data collection. The system will guide you to choose a convenient time slot at a nearby RTO office.
Step 8: Receive the Acknowledgement: Upon completing the required steps, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number. Use this reference number to track the progress of your driving licence renewal application.
Step 9: Receive Your Renewed Licence: After your application has been processed and verified, the renewed driving licence will be dispatched to your registered address. Delivery may take a few weeks, depending on the RTO’s workload.
Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Offline in Himachal Pradesh
While the online process is more convenient, you can also renew your driving licence offline by visiting the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Himachal Pradesh. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Visit the Nearest RTO: Go to your area's Regional Transport Office (RTO) during working hours. Ensure you carry all the necessary documents. You can find a list of RTOs in Himachal Pradesh on the official transport department website.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form: Obtain and fill out Form 9, the application form for driving licence renewal. This form is available at the RTO office or can be downloaded from the official Himachal Pradesh Transport Department website.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fees: Pay the applicable renewal fees, which vary based on the renewal duration and the vehicle category. Payments can typically be made at the RTO counter via cash, cheque, or demand draft.
Step 5: Biometric Verification: After submitting the documents and fees, you may need to complete biometric verification, including photo capture and fingerprint scanning, if applicable.
Step 6: Acknowledgement Receipt: Once your application and documents are verified, you will be issued an acknowledgement receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of your application.
Step 7: Collection of Renewed DL: Your renewed driving licence will be sent to your registered address within a few weeks. Alternatively, the RTO may ask you to collect it in person.
Documents Required for DL Renewal in Himachal Pradesh
When applying to renew your driving licence in Himachal Pradesh, you must provide several documents for verification. Below is the list of documents required as part of the application process:
Driving Licence
Submit a scanned copy of your current driving licence. The authorities need to verify your existing licence details and confirm your eligibility for renewal.
Application Form 2
Fill out Form 2, the official application for renewing a driving licence. You can download this form from the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department's official website or complete it at the RTO during the offline renewal.
Proof of Identity
Provide a valid government-issued ID as proof of identity. Accepted documents include:
Aadhaar card
Passport
Voter ID
PAN card or any other government-recognized identification.
Proof of Address
A recent document showing your current address is required. This can be:
A recent electricity bill
A water bill
A bank statement
Aadhaar card (if it shows the current address)
Passport-Sized Photographs
Submit 2-3 recent passport-sized photographs that meet the required standards, such as a white background and a clear facial image.
Medical Certificate (If Applicable)
If you are over 50, you must provide a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner as part of the renewal process. Form 1, a self-declaration of physical fitness, is required for non-transport vehicles. Form 1A, a medical certificate, is mandatory for transport vehicles to confirm your medical fitness for driving. It is essential to ensure that the medical certificate is not older than one month from the date of application.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Himachal Pradesh
The fees for renewing a driving licence (DL) in Himachal Pradesh vary based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the class of licence, and whether the renewal is applied for within the stipulated time or after the grace period. Below is a detailed breakdown of the renewal fees and any additional charges:
S.No.
Purpose
Base Fee
Total Fee
1
Renewal of driving licence
₹200
₹200
2
Renewal of DL after Grace Period
₹300 + ₹1,000/year (delay fee)
₹300 + ₹1,000/year (delay fee)
3
Renewal of Licence for Schools/Establishments (Driving Instruction)
₹10,000
₹10,000
4
Endorsement or Renewal of Hazardous Goods Authorisation
₹100
₹100
Grace Period for Renewal of Driving Licence in Himachal Pradesh
You can apply for the renewal of your driving licence up to one month before its expiry date. If you apply after the licence has expired, the renewal will be processed from the date your application is received.
A late fee of ₹300 will be charged if the renewal application is submitted after expiry.
If the renewal is delayed by more than 5 years, you will need to complete all the formalities for obtaining a new licence, including:
Passing the driving test.
Submitting additional documents.
Fulfilling other procedural requirements.
DL Renewal in Himachal Pradesh: How to Schedule an Appointment Online?
While online DL renewal is straightforward, some applicants might need to visit the RTO for biometric verification or other services. To schedule an appointment online for such services:
Visit the Parivahan Portal at https://parivahan.gov.in.
Select ‘Himachal Pradesh’ as your state.
Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services.’
Enter your DL number and Date of Birth.
Choose ‘Book Appointment’ for biometric verification or other required services.
Select a convenient time slot at the designated RTO office.
How to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status in Himachal Pradesh?
After applying for DL renewal, you can check your application status online through the Parivahan portal:
Visit the official website at https://parivahan.gov.in.
Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services.’
Select ‘Track Application Status.’
Enter your application number or DL number.
The portal will display the current status of your DL renewal.
Validity of a Driving Licence in Himachal Pradesh
The validity of a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh depends on the type of vehicle:
For private vehicle owners (cars and motorcycles), the licence is valid for 20 years.
For commercial vehicle drivers (buses and trucks), the licence is valid for 3 to 5 years.
After the licence expires, commercial drivers must:
Apply for renewal.
Sometimes, they may need to retake the driving test or undergo additional health checks.
It is essential to renew your licence before it expires to avoid:
Fines or legal issues for driving with an expired licence.
Learner’s Licence Renewal in Himachal Pradesh
A learner’s licence in Himachal Pradesh is valid for 6 months from the issue date.
During this period, the licence holder must:
Practice driving under supervision.
Pass the driving test to obtain a full driving licence.
If the learner’s test is not passed within 6 months, they must:
Apply for a new learner’s licence.
In some cases, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) may grant an extension to the learner’s licence validity under exceptional circumstances, such as:
Medical reasons.
However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the discretion of the RTO.
It’s advisable to complete the driving test within the 6-month validity to avoid the need to reapply for a learner’s licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to Renew Driving Licence in Himachal Pradesh
How can I renew my driving licence in Himachal Pradesh?
You can renew your driving licence online through the Parivahan portal or offline by visiting the nearest RTO. Both methods require submitting the necessary documents and paying the renewal fee.
Can I renew my driving licence after it has expired?
Yes, you can renew your licence even after it has expired. However, a late fee will apply. If the licence has expired for over 5 years, you must apply for a new one and complete the full process, including a driving test.
How can I check the status of my DL renewal application in Himachal Pradesh?
Visit the Parivahan portal, click ‘Driving Licence Related Services,’ and select ‘Track Application Status.’ Enter your application or DL number to check the status.
Should I visit the RTO to renew my online DL?
In some cases, such as biometric verification (photo and fingerprints), you may need to visit the RTO even if you apply online. You can book an appointment for these services through the Parivahan portal.
Can I apply for DL renewal online in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, you can apply for DL renewal online through the Parivahan portal. The process includes filling out an application, uploading documents, paying the fee, and booking an appointment if required.
Do I need a medical certificate for all DL renewals?
A medical certificate is only required for applicants above 50 or for renewing a commercial vehicle licence.